God gives a clear command in Philippians 4:6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

When all of our family and friends are gathered around a holiday meal, it is easy to give thanks to God. We feel blessed and grateful when our plates are full and our loved ones are well.

But what about when we are tired and worn? How do we give thanks when the dots don’t connect and the pennies don’t stretch? So often, our hearts and minds are filled to capacity with hurt, anger, worry and grief. How do we give thanks in this dark and harsh world that sometimes feels like it is swallowing us?